Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple – Guide
The Airavatesvara Temple is located at Darasuram near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. This temple is also known as Darasuram temple. This temple is a fine example of Dravidian architecture and one of the ‘The Great Living Temples’ of the Chola Empire. This temple is Built by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century. The temple is called Airavatesvara because of the worship of Lord Shiva by Airavata, the white elephant of Indra.
History of this Temple
According to history it is believed that Lord Indre’s elephant Airavat was white in colour. Due to some reason Rishi Durvasa cursed Airavat due to which the colour of Airavat changed. By this, Airavata was not happy so he took bathed in the holy water of the temple and worshiped Lord Shiva and regained her original colour. Because of which the temple came to be known as Airavatesvara.
It is also believed that Yama, the king of death, also suffered from the curse of a Rishi. Because of this, his body became had severe burning sensation. To get rid of this pain, Yamaraj also took a bath in the lake located in the temple and worshiped Lord Shiva. After this he got relief from his pain.
In Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple complex near the temple of Lord Ganesha, there is a set of carved steps where musical sounds are produced when the foot is stomped. However, to this day it remains a mystery as to why and how musical sound is produced.
Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple opens at 6:30 AM in the morning and close at 8:30 PM in the evening. Morning aarti is performed at 7:00 AM in the morning and evening aarti is performed at 7:00 PM in the evening.
| Saturday | 06:30 AM to 08:30 PM, Aarti: 07:00 AM & 07:00 PM |
| Sunday | 06:30 AM to 08:30 PM, Aarti: 07:00 AM & 07:00 PM |
| Monday | 06:30 AM to 08:30 PM, Aarti: 07:00 AM & 07:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 06:30 AM to 08:30 PM, Aarti: 07:00 AM & 07:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 06:30 AM to 08:30 PM, Aarti: 07:00 AM & 07:00 PM |
| Thursday | 06:30 AM to 08:30 PM, Aarti: 07:00 AM & 07:00 PM |
| Friday | 06:30 AM to 08:30 PM, Aarti: 07:00 AM & 07:00 PM |
Suryanar Koil Temple
This temple is dedicated to lord Sun. This temple is located at a distance of about few kms away from the Darasuram temple.
Tiruvidaimarudur Conservation Reserve
This Conservation Reserveis spread in the area of 2.84 hectares. This place is located at a distance of about few kms away from the Darasuram temple.
Sri Sarangapani Swami Temple
This temple is located at a distance of about few kms away from the Darasuram temple. This temple is dedicated to Sarangapani Swami.
Arulmigu Nageswarar Swami Temple
This temple is located at a distance of about few kms away from the Darasuram temple. This temple is dedicated to lord Nageswarar Swami.
Sri Chakrapaniswami Temple
This temple is located at a distance of about few kms away from the Darasuram temple. This temple is dedicated to lord Chakrapaniswami.
How to reach Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple
By Air- The nearest airport from Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple is Tiruchirappalli airport which is at a distance of 91 km away from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.
By Train- The nearest railway station from Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple is Kumbakonam Railway Station which is at a distance of 5 km away from the temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.
By Road- Roads to this temple are well connected with the other cities of the country but to reach this temple you have to first reach Kumbakonam bus stop and from here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.
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